At the 2006 International Space Development Conference in Los Angeles, the Chicago Society for Space Studies was presented with the National Space Society's Chapter Excellence - Public Outreach Award 2006. The award was presented to Chicago Society for Space Studies Vice President Jim Plaxco by the National Space Society's Vice President of Chapters Arthur Smith during a luncheon that featured Apollo astronaut Rusty Schweickart.

The Chapter Excellence - Public Outreach Award is presented to that chapter that has done an exceptional job in the area of public outreach. For the Chicago Society for Space Studies, this is primarily through our Speaker's Bureau program by which CSSS is able to provide educational presentations to schools, museums, libraries, and various other public venues. CSSS President Robert Jeske credits the award to Jim Plaxco and John Vittallo and the many educational programs and presentations they gave throughout the year.

The Chicago Society for Space Studies has previously received two similar awards, both in 1993. One was the National Space Society Special Merit Award for Spaceweek events. The second was the National Space Society Special Merit Award for Outstanding Public Events - awarded for our sponsorship of a visit by Russian Cosmonaut Georgi Grechko to area schools and museums.

CSSS Vice President accepting the NSS award for Public Outreach from NSS Vice President of Chapters Arthur Smith

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